The question “What is Greek yogurt?” is always asked with a rather puzzled expression. In America and much of Canada, the vast majority of commercially available yogurts are all remarkably similar: packaged cups of plain or flavored gelatinous goo. What most consumers don’t know is that there is a whole other world of yogurt goodness out there, including the underappreciated Greek variety, perfectly suited to a variety of distinctive, flavorful recipes.

So what is Greek yogurt all about?

Keep reading for a detailed explanation of the Greek yogurt production process and a breakdown of how the end result ends up tasting so different from other common yogurt varieties.

What is Greek Yogurt Made From?

The majority of Greek yogurt is made out of milk (usually from a cow, but sometimes from goats, sheep, and rarely water buffalo) that has been boiled to remove some of the water content.

Powdered milk and butterfat are often added to enrich the flavor. Like regular yogurt, a mix of bacteria including Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are added to the milk to jumpstart the fermentation process. Without these bacteria, the milk would simply curdle during the production process.

Fun Fact: Streptococcus thermophilus is related to the bacteria that causes Strep throat in humans, but you don’t have to worry about any ill-effects from this friendly strain.

What is Different About Greek Yogurt?

At this point you are probably thinking, “but what IS Greek yogurt? It sounds just like regular yogurt!” This is a great observation, because the production process of all yogurts are essentially identical until the very last stages. At the point that regular yogurt is ready to eat, it is strained through layers of cheesecloth or a quality chinoise to remove some of the bitter whey.

It is truly amazing how one extra step can create such a huge difference in flavor and texture. Many people do not realize it, but creating your own Greek yogurt at home is just as simple as making regular homemade yogurt – there is more wait time involved, but the entire process makes for a great family activity.

What is the Difference Between Yogurt and Greek Yogurt Taste?

Since a large portion of the whey is strained away, Greek yogurt is commonly described as possessing a milder flavor and richer, creamier texture. This reduced-whey yogurt is higher in protein and lower in sugar, making it ideal as a light breakfast option.

In fact, the popularity of this dish has positively skyrocketed since the health benefits of yogurt have become more widely publicized.

Moreover, since Greek yogurt is lower in fat, it can easily be utilized in high-temperature recipes without curdling.

Although the two products taste very different, they seem to have equally versatile uses. This interesting dairy treat is eaten all throughout the world in recipes like sweet dips, veggie appetizers, savory sandwiches, and even eaten plain with condiments like olive oil. What is Greek yogurt going to be used for in your home?

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Lengthy lists of health benefits decorate yogurt labels and fill entire advertisements, but consumers are still left to wonder, “What is probiotic yogurt all about?” Is it really that much healthier than other dairy products?

Actually, probiotic yogurt really is an extremely healthy option – but that doesn’t mean that you should believe everything the producers claim on the commercials. Keep reading to find out why!

The Truth about Probiotic Yogurt

Humans have been enjoying yogurt since at least 500 BCE and the oldest records even indicate that ancient Indo-Iranians considered yogurt and honey to be a “food of the Gods” – or that’s what this civilization called the creamy treat, anyways.

Although originally eaten for taste and convenience, it didn’t take long to discover the nutritional benefits this unique form of dairy offers the body.

The first Renaissance-era King of France, Francis I, was one of the first to note the apparent anti-diarrheal properties of the popular treat.

But what is probiotic yogurt?

Well, it’s just regular yogurt – the only difference is the addition of extra cultures. Priobiotics are actually ALREADY present in just about any yogurt that you eat, so products marketed as “probiotic” are just pumped-up versions of the same stuff.

Nobody knows whether this extra boost of beneficial bacteria makes regular yogurt healthier, but since yogurt already eases symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and facilitates weight loss it seems like there a perfectly good idea!

Regardless of whether or not these claims of health benefits are true, one fact is indisputable: replacing your morning bowl of sugary breakfast cereal with a scoop of fresh priobiotic yogurt will definitely yield positive results. Although this treat may not be the miracle cure that some enthusiasts claim, there is no denying that yogurt is substantially healthier than most of the other popular dairy products on the market.

In the end, a healthy body comes from healthy choices, choices that only you can make. Don’t wait for probiotics to do the work for you – take an active role in your diet and remove the bad foods from your pantry as you replace them with healthier solutions.

What is probiotic yogurt going to replace in your breakfast, lunch, or dinner routine?